Looking for that different vacation mixed with some of the worlds most stunning natural beauty, majestic scenery, fascinating history, jaw-dropping sights along with some relaxation and luxury? Want a smokin’ deal? Then join us on our breathtaking Rawhide Travel’s “Romancing The Blarney Stone” adventure set for August 2-15, 2017

Your ticket to see and experience some of the most astounding sights in the entire world…..IRELAND! Discover the magnificent “Emerald Island” and it’s extraordinary beauty, forty shades of green, evocative myths, delicious legends, mysterious standing stones and exhilarating scenes! From ancient abbeys and castles to green pastures and seaside cliffs, you’ll see and do it ALL on our grandeur journey with stays in Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Galway, Derry, Belfast and Kingscourt experiencing many intriguing sights in between!

Enjoy a brew at world famous Guinness Storehouse from the famous roof top Gravity Bar in Dublin, see the ancient art of crystal carving in Waterford, kiss the legendary Killarney Stone in Killarney, visit a real Irish working sheep farm, and visit the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast where the doomed ocean liner was built. From lush national parks, museums and fabulous botanical gardens, to legendary castles and
dazzling shopping, you’ll not miss a trick on our stunning Irish adventure! And, as if all of the intoxicating sights and exciting thrills weren’t enough, the price for this spectacular 13 day adventure includes four and five-star hotels throughout (including all hotels taxes), round trip air from Phoenix (including all air taxes and fuel surcharges), all transfers throughout, all government taxes and fees, daily “Irish” breakfast (including two lunches and three dinners), all admission and entrance fees to all sights, even cancellation insurance for only $5,899 per person (based on double occupancy)!

Deposit is only $1,000 per person. And, just in case your friends or family want to tag along, air is also available from 173 other U.S. cities, but their price may vary depending on their actual departure city, other than Phoenix. WARNING: may cause thrill related injuries. Now’s your chance, give us a call today for more details. Eyes in the back of your head highly recommended for this unforgettable Irish adventure. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today and experience life without a rip cord. Happy “Irish” Trails to you……

Day 1 (Wednesday, August 2nd) Depart USA Your trip to the beautiful Emerald Isle begins! Flight schedule:
Depart Phoenix on United flight #1552 at 10:25AM / Arrive Newark at 6:05PM
Depart Newark on United flight #023 at 7:20PM (overnight flight – dinner will be served on-board}

Day 2 (Thursday, August 3rd) Arrive Dublin
Upon arrival at Dublin airport {United flight #023 arrives Dublin at 7:05AM), collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall, where your BMIT representative will be there to greet you and escort you to the awaiting motor coach. We board our coach and commence on a panoramic tour on the way to our hotel. See major sights such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, the National Library, Government Buildings and much more. After we check in to our first hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy on your own. Tonight, we gather together at a local pub to enjoy a meal and Irish brew.
Overnight: O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel (D)

Day 3 (Friday, August 4th) Dublin City Tour
This morning after our full Irish Breakfast, we commence on a half-day tour of Dublin’s Fair City. We visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. The cathedral is said to have been built upon the earliest Christian site in Ireland, where St. Patrick baptized converts. The present building was built between 1191 and 1270. We’ll pass O’Connell Street– Europe’s widest street, Christchurch Cathedral, and the Bank of Ireland, which is formerly the Irish House of Parliament. If you keep a close eye on the road, you may even spot Molly Malone wheeling her wheelbarrow! Our tour concludes with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where you can view the brewing process then enjoy a pint in the roof top Gravity bar. The remainder of your day is for you to enjoy as you like!
Overnight: O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel (B)

Day 4 {Saturday, August 5th) Croke Park
After a morning at leisure, we gather together for an afternoon tour of Croke Park, home of Ireland’s largest sporting and cultural organization, the Gaelic Athletic Association {GAA). The stadium is one of the largest in Europe, with a capacity of 82,300, and has played host to iconic moments in both Irish sport and history. The tour will allow you to access such behind the scene areas as the team dressing rooms, warm up areas and the VIP area, just to name a few. Tonight we head to a local pub where we will enjoy a group dinner including Irish folklore and music.
Overnight: O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel {B, D)

Day 5 (Sunday, August 6th) Cashel /Waterford/ Cork
This morning after breakfast we depart Dublin for County Cork, exploring en­ route. Our route will bring us south through the town of Cashel, where we will have a photo stop for the Rock of Cashel, ‘ once home to the High Kings of Munster. The Rock, one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Ireland, sits on the outskirts of Cashel on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. Next we continue on to the Viking City of Waterford where we visit the world-renowned House of Waterford Crystal and tour the factory. View demonstrations such as the ancient art of mold making, glass blowing, hand marking, master cutting, carving and engraving. You’ll also have a chance to do some shopping in the retail store, if desired. Afterwards we drive west to the outskirts of Cork, arriving in early evening, where we check in to our hotel and enjoy the evening on our own.
Overnight: Maryborough Hotel and Spa (B)

Day 6 (Monday, August 7th) Blarney I Killarney
This morning after breakfast we depart for Killarney, with some unforgettable Irish experiences on the way. Our first stop today is nearby Blarney Village, where the famous Castle is located. Here you may climb the steps of the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who participate in the ancient custom. Afterwards there will be time to do a little shopping at the famous Blarney Woollen Mills, where a wide selection of Irish handmade goods is available, if you desire. We then drive west to County Kerry, where we visit a real Irish working sheep farm, Kissane Sheep Farm. The farm has approximately 1,000 mountain sheep and hundreds of lambs. Meet the sheep in their natural environment, see border collies rounding up the sheep and enjoy a shearing demonstration. We arrive into Killarney in the late afternoon, where we experience a Jaunting Car Ride (traditional horse & buggy ride). Nowhere else in the world will you get such a collection of Jarveys (coach drivers) and Jaunting Cars. The Jarveys themselves are very knowledgeable of the local history and are known for their story telling and humor. Tour in Killarney National Park, head legends of the lake and about the history of Ross Castle. The remainder of the day is on your own.)
Overnight: Muckross Park Hotel (B)

Day 7 (Tuesday, August 8th) Dingle Peninsula
This morning after breakfast, depart on a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Dingle is a land of blue gold hills and sandy beaches, of glorious waterfalls, hidden bays, wondrous rock formations, caves and arches, busy harbors and wayside pubs. It is a land dappled with heather, primroses, bluebells, foxgloves and smiling faces to welcome you. The peninsula that inspired films like “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away” has so much to offer. Along the way we’ll enjoy lunch in a local pub together. Returning to our hotel in the late afternoon, our evening is free to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Muckross Park Hotel (B, L)

Day 8 (Wednesday, August 9th) Bunratty / Cliffs of Moher/ Galway
Today we travel north to Galway, touring as we go. We stop first at the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Explore the castle’s chambers, climb the spiral stairs to the battlements and imagine yourself in medieval Ireland. The castle itself, built in 1425, is a very fine restoration, with plenty of tapestries and beautiful furniture, some dating as far back as the building. The Folk Park reconstructs early 19th century village life with costumed guides and demonstrations of traditional skills. There are eight farmhouses, 2 watermills; a blacksmith’s forge and a complete traditional village street with school and shops. We then continue to the majestic, spectacular, and mighty Cliffs of Moher. Rising 700 feet above the ocean and extending 5 miles, the Cliffs offer sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay. Driving through the Burren region of north Clare, where rare wild flowers grow, blown in from such faraway places as the Arctic and Siberia. This is a limestone desert, carved by the Ice Age. Stopping at the Burren Smokehouse, a family-run producer of smoked fish, we taste organic cold and hot smoked salmon, and watch a DVD presentation about their unique smoking process. The visitor center features mosaics both inside and outside, and the first kiln used by the company when they set up shop in 1989. Late this afternoon, we arrive in Galway, “the city of Tribes” named after the fourteen families who originally settled in the area. Galway has had a long tradition of trade with Spain, and Spanish influences are many in the city. Most notably the Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchantmen and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Today Galway is still a prosperous commercial center, proud of its great university and its tradition of warm welcome. After checking into your hotel, the evening is free to explore this vibrant city .
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel Galway (B)

Day 9 (Thursday, August 10th) Connemara
This morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast we shall explore the rugged yet serene Connemara area which John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara made famous in the classic, “A Quiet Man”. This rocky land of broad-backed
mountains and pearl-like lakes is the largest Irish speaking section of the country and the old traditions and way of life are as much a part of Connemara’s attractions as is the scenery. We drive along the shores of Lough Corrib and then westward through Maam Cross to Leenane where we shall visit Kylemore Abbey, the only Irish home of the Benedictine Nuts. Built originally as a castle it is one of the best examples of Irish neo-gothic architecture. The estate features include a Victorian walled garden, restored abbey reception rooms, gothic church, tranquil walks and restaurant. We return to Galway for the evening, where you are free to enjoy the many pubs and restaurants Galwayhas to offer.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel Galway (B)

Day 10 (Friday, August 11th) Belleek / Sligo / Derry
Leaving Galway, we travel northward, stopping in Belleek to visit the factory by the same name. Belleek China first conducted business back as early as 1857, manufacturing heavy earthenware and has progressed over the years to become the highly-acclaimed creator of fine Parisian china which is known the world over. Aft erwards, we continue on to Sligo. The town of Sligo is encircled by three bays for the maritime part and two mountains for the terrestrial part – the Knocknarea mountains on which the tomb ofthe Queen Maeve is to be found and the imposing Benbulben Mountain, at the foot of which Yeats Ireland’s beloved Irish Poet is buried. The natural charm of Sligo’s landscape is made up of forest, lakes and mountains; Sligo is also characterized by its culture, as the musicians and the artists (poets, painters) illustrate it. We will stop at the grave of William Butler Yeats, Irish poet, dramatist, mystic and public figure. His grave reminds us of his famous works, so special to the Irish people. We then head along the coast to Derry, also known as Londonder ry–a city with a long and fascinating history. A city of many contrasts, ancient and modern sights sit alongside one another. Dinner and evening are on your own . Overnight: Roe Park Resort (B)

Day 11 (Saturday, August 12th) Derry/ Antrim Coast/ Belfast
This morning after breakfast we will be exploring the city of Derry with a walking tour of the walls. We will learn about the long and tumultuous story of this city. Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years. The layout of the city preserves its medieval plan and there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the acc essible parts of the walls. We then depart Derry and take in some of the rugged scenery of Northern Ireland. Our next stop is the Giants Causeway, often described as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Here we shall take the circular walk around the spectacular rock formations and have time in the visitor’s center. Staying on the coastal road, we shall enjoy the stunning scenery of the Antrim coast before arriving in Belfast in the late afternoon. Tonight you are free in downtown Belfast.
Overnight: Merchant Hotel (B)

Day 12 (Sunday, August 13th) Belfast
After breakfast this morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Belfast City. The birthplace of the Titanic and home to some of the world’s most famous faces, Belfast is rich in history and steeped in culture. Today it is as famous for its stylish shops, gourmet restaurants and wicked nightlife as it is for its troubled past. Some of the notable sights we will see are Belfast City Hall, Linen Hall Library, Stormont House, Grand Opera House, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens. A traditional pub lunch awaits us this afternoon. We shall also visit the Titanic Exhibition where you will be able to wander through the museum at your own pace. Explore the shipyard, walk the decks, and travel to the depths of the ocean to learn about the Titanic in the city where it all began. The evening and dinner are on your own.
Overnight: Merchant Hotel (B, L)

Day 13 (Monday, August 14th) Knowth / Cabra Leaving Belfast behind us, we travel south to the Boyne Valley. The tombs of the Boyne Valley-Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange-all predate Stonehenge and the great Egyptian Pyramids. Built by Neolithic farming communities about 5000 years ago, the passage tombs have clear astronomical alignments such as the Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange and the Equinox Sunrise at Loughcrew. Judging from the splendor and magnificence of Newgrange and Knowth it is likely that these temples of the ancestors were places of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest. Hear about the history and the mysteries surrounding the Knowth Megalithic Passage Tomb on a guided tour of the Knowth site. The Bru na B6inne Visitors Centre includes an extensive exhibition including a full scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange as well as a full model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. Our day concludes at the beautiful 15th century Cabra Castle, situated in Kingscourt Co. Cavan where we will spend our final night in Ireland. A special farewell dinner awaits us tonight at the castle.
Overnight: Cabra Castle (B,D)

Day 14 (Tuesday, August 15th) Return to USA
Savor one last hearty Irish breakfast before heading off to Dublin Airport for your return flight. Flight schedule:
Depart Dublin on United flight #127 at 12:25PM / Arrive Dulles at 3:20PM Depart Dulles on United flight #939 at 5:05PM / Arrive Phoenix at 7:00PM

Tour Includes:

Escorted sightseeing by luxury motor coach

Professional Irish Tour Director throughout

Accommodation at luxury hotels for 11 nights and accommodation in a 15 th century Irish Castle for 1 night.